How Tunisia defeated the coronavirus, third day without any new infection
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Alaina
- . May 13, 2020
- . Update: May 13, 2020 12:06 pm
For the third consecutive day, Tunisia does not record any new coronavirus infection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The confirmed cases in the country are 1,032 by May 10. The Ministry of Health of Tunis announced in a short statement that the deaths remain stable at 45, the healed continue to rise, passing from 727 of yesterday to 740 today.
Currently there are 247 COVID-19 active cases, 5 of them hospitalized. Tunisia, which has loosened its lockdown measures for a week with a first phase of gradual reopening of vital sectors of the economy, will most likely reduce the time of the night curfew in the coming days, with postponement of its entry from 20 to 22 until 6 in the morning.The reopening of cafes, restaurants and mosques is scheduled for the end of the holy month of Ramadan, on May 25th, while the airspace will gradually reopen from June 1st.
Tunisia economy situation following the pandemic:
The economic situation in Tunisia, following the pandemic, is complex. Tunisia is still in the process of economic reform and liberalization from the Arab spring of 2011. Although the country has been historically blessed with a diverse market-orientated economy, it is facing many challenges following, included an increasing unemployment, particularly among the youth.
The Tunisian economy has always been highly dependent on tourism. This sector has been deeply affected by the state emergency following a number of terrorist attacks nationwide from 2014. The Tunisian stability is also difficult to guarantee because of civil war in neighboring Libya, fighting one form of terrorism or another. Tunisian politicians failed so far failed to make long-term plans due to precarious circumstances and Muslim Brotherhood opposition as the Islamic party still controlling the Parliament and several institutions.
Tunisian people today are emerging among North African countries not only as an example to follow in the democratic process, but also for its capability and readiness to respond the current emergency of COVID-19. Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh’s newly elected government faced an asymmetrical and poor health infrastructure, with 13 out of 24 governorates having no reanimation beds, considered essential to face the virus.
The Tunisian government implemented preventive restrictions measures from the beginning of the pandemic, including the lockdown and the closure of its airspace, ports, and land crossing borders. It has also guaranteed a serious health sector reform and the rebuilding of the public health system. It has decided on exceptional financial measures, including the allocation of an open budget line to counter the virus, and the Ministry of Finance has also created a voluntary fund to contribute fighting COVID-19 outbreak. The fund has raised so far more than 65 million Tunisian dinars.
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